Le Chase Chapter 33

Hello! I'm half asleep but I got my idea for the next chapter in the random-est way. As my old readers know (or people who read all my stories), I improve with every chapter/story. So yes, if you go back to my first chapter, I wrote in a very simple way thinking that people didn't like story-like blog stories, I didn't find many of them at that time but today? Mashallah! I've found so many blogs who write PROPERLY. And have amazing skills that they're finally showing off. Of course my writing would be more detailed and even better if this was a book, but at the end of the day, it's a blog written by a 16 year old, so of course I'm not going to be a pro; practice makes perfect.

This chapter goes out to the lovely @DanahAlBader, I got to meet her today at the fab Loyac celebration at 360 mall by luck, hope you all enjoy this chapter and good luck Danah for November, I know you'll do great!

For people who keep asking when this story will end, my answer is I don't know. I never plan my stories, they all just.. happen. Unless it's one or two ideas I've planned, but usually I have NO IDEA what will happen or how it will end, that's why when people ask me "3afyaa tell us what'll happen next! I hate the cliffhangers." I honestly answer with a I don't know. I honestly honestly honestly know what'll even happen in this chapter, I just have one idea for it to start with, the rest are.. just blank. I'll just get my next ideas when I start writing.

**I am 100% AGAINST smoking, I have no idea how to tastes like but I make up things as I go along and these advantages of smoking are very general stuff you take in Biology in high school. So stay away from the deadly substance, and to all the guys (and girls) out there, you are MORE attractive if you don't smoke and have a healthier set of lungs. It's never too late to quit or try to quit.

-

Previously in Chapter 32:

And just like that.

I was blocked from her Whatsapp, Twitter.. everything.

-

3 and a half months later...

"Thari asra3!" My mom screamed, her voice strained from all the yelling she's done all day. The sun blinded me momentarily, I stuck a hand over my eyes, creating some shade for my eyes.

"Yuma besmellah ne6ray shway," I grunted. Beads of sweat formed over my forehead, my biceps feeling warm and tanned under the sun, I was wearing a sleeveless shirt paired with a pair of shorts. The winter had said it's farewell and summer had smiled with a hello. A very bright and hot hello.

"Wath7a sa3day okhouch," Mom told Wath7a. A straw hat was over my mother's greying hair, her voice sounded impatient and annoyed but her eyes were full of happiness. Happiness I haven't seen in years. Wath7a scurried over to my side, we were outside our house, unloading the Range Rover with our heavy sets of bags. We had just came back from our chalet weekend in the area called "Khairan". And tomorrow, I'd have to go back to university.

And face her again.

"Wein el khedam?" Mom crossed her bare yet pink-ish arms over her thin shirt, she never tanned properly, she was as white as a sheet. I was growing used to seeing her a lot, after that day outside her friend's house, she finally came back to her senses and came back to us, not bothering to stay away for another second.

"Neseitay? It's their holiday today." I chuckled, passing my mother, holding three large duffel bags. Two straps were wedged in one hand, the other one, the bigger duffel bag, in my left hand. Wath7a followed me, her tiny hands holding plastic bags that carried our extra stuff like shampoos/tanning oils.

The cold air conditioner slapped my bearded face once I walked into our vast house. The house was different. I dumped the duffel bags down to the marble floor. The decor of the house used to be so neutral, now there were splashes of colour where my mother had added artist's paintings around the depressing looking walls, making them look livelier, as if someone actually lived in the house.

I could only remember the days I dreaded coming back to this place, hating the sight of my father and his second wife. Becoming disgusted by each minute I had to sit in the same room as him. Now? He's gone, house by himself with his pregnant wife. My mother filed a divorce, got the legal papers to the house and 75% of his money after threatening him she'd go to the police with proof of him cheating against other companies if he didn't give her the house or some money to live on.

"Thari wein ri7t? Shfeek 6awelt?" Mom called out once again, I realised I spaced out and my eyes were staring dreamily at the colourful painting my mother purchased and hung on the champagne coloured wall in front of me.

"Asif, kane kane!" I answered her, hurrying back to collect more bags.

-

"Thari, alooo?" 3abbas waved a pair of his meaty hands in front of me. 

"Ha, ee ga3d asm3k," I lied, we were both seated outside the university, under the hot sun, a light breath of wind hit us, cooling us down. 

I spaced out, again.

The image of people passing us outside, holding onto their textbooks, different faces whizzing past me. But only one face caught my attention. It also triggered a few memories, making me feel even guiltier for the cigarette that was wedged in between my two fingers.

Layal's fresh face came in view, her eyes flickered to mine, catching me looking at her. She easily turned her head away, laughing at what her friend just said. She whizzed past our table, totally ignoring my stare. The stare I usually gave her, but tried to limit. It was hard. It was like my first love, all over again, but just worse. 3 months and a half ago she said goodbye, more likely gave me a virtual slap to my face and blocked me, then ignored my calls, ignored me in university, not giving me a chance to explain. So I went back to those cigarettes, they may not be Layal, they may not have the effect that her smile gives me, but they pretty much eliminated half of my stress. You would think I wouldn't need them after my parent's messy divorce, but I only needed them more when I went through it alone.

"Lal7een?" 3abbas noticed me staring at Layal and probably my pained expression. I simply nodded, I didn't bother talking about it anymore but 3abbas could just see it on my face. I wasn't good at lying or hiding anything.

"Enta el ghabe ma 7acheit'ha!" 3abbas said for the millionth time, at first his lectures angered me but now I grew used to them. I just nodded again, taking a long draw of my cigarette.

"Shfeek ag3d chithe? Laish ma trou7 et7acheeha?" 3abbas urged me.

"Chem mara lazem agoulk? Dageit 3leha foug elalf mara bas ma etrid 3lay." I sadly stated, puffing out the smoke as I spoke.

"Ana giltlk dig 3leha? Akeed bita7girik, lazem etqa9ibha she listens to you," 3abbas's energy hasn't died, even after those 3 months. I thought I would have forgotten her now, like my other exs in the past I forgot about after a few minutes.

"Bel jam3a? Meynoun? Akhareb sum3t'ha 3al fa'9y? El bent ma tabeene, khala9 drop the subject it's been 3 months," I annoyingly exclaimed.

"You've been counting? You're in love." 3abbas gave me a sad, slow smile.

"I don't 'love'," I said it in a disgusted tone.

"Embala." 3abbas nodded, disagreeing with me.

"Love? 3war ras you mean," I shook my head, trying to laugh it off but my eyes were weary, 3abbas could see through my act.

"Talk to her." 3abbas said once again, giving me another sad smile, probably pitying me.

"I lost my chance." 

"Thari Al-X doesn't have a chance? Since when did you lose your ego and cockiness?" 3abbas let out a deep laugh.

"After I lost her." I answered quietly, dumping my cigarette into the ashtray, not bothering to finish it. I ran my fingers through my short hair, I had it cut for the summer. It was a buzz cut, military style. A lot of people said I looked different this way, tougher and also angrier in a way. I much preferred this look than my softer one in the winter.

"W etgoul ma et7bha?" 3abbas shook his head in disappointment. I didn't reply, I remained quiet, too deep in thought. 3abbas had to leave after a few minutes for class, I left the table to walk into the university to grab a drink from Starbucks then leave.

The smell of cozy oak woods and caramel frappuccinos welcomed me once I entered the dark cafe. No surprise, Layal was seated with her friends inside the cafe as I stood in line, wanting to get a drink. I avoided her by checking my Twitter to pass time.

"He's so hot." A female's whisper was heard by my ears. 

"Who?" A second voice replied. They were two girls, whispering and giggling. It was coming from Layal's table, where her friends were.

"That guy with the buzz cut hair, the super short hair and light beard. Super tall, waiting in line, ma etshoufeena?"

"Offh he is! Is he a freshman?" Another girl's voice whispered. Usually this would make me flash a smile to the girls, flirt and grab their numbers but this time, it didn't interest me. Until.. a familiar voice entered and caused my ears to pay more attention to the conversation.

"Ma a3ti8id Nouf."

"Not my type." Layal's voice suddenly grabbed my attention.

"Mu men 9ijich 9a7, Layal?!"

"Al7een khan nadris, beskom men hal siwalif." Layal whispered through clenched teeth.

"Shfeech faj2a emnafsa Layal? Loosen up."

"Ana 3bale benedris, mu enghazel."

"Shd3wa ma ghazelna, bas glna he's hot!"

"El 9bay ygder ysm3ch wa6ay 9outch."

"Kho 3ade, bara8ma a9lan."

"You can't be serious."

"Why not?"

"Sum3tch, that's why! W a9lan ma t3rfeena!"

"So what? He's hot."

"Sir? What would you like to drink?" The waiter's voice distracted me from the girl's conversation. I couldn't figure out who was saying what, their voices weren't loud but their table was close and I caught every word. I couldn't look at them, it would be too obvious then that I heard them and am still listening.

"Oh, uhm one expresso, two shots." I quickly took a step forward to the counter, giving him my order. I couldn't hear the girls anymore, I tried my hardest not to glance or look at them. I paid and the stricken looking waiter handed me the receipt. I cautiously turned around to walk over to where you wait for your drinks, I got to glance at Layal's table and found that three other girls sat next to her, one of them was staring at me in an obvious manner, her crooked smile aimed at me.

"Sir, your drink." My drink finished pretty fast, I grabbed my coffee, walking towards Layal's table just to pass it and leave, but as I was about to pass by Layal's table, she quickly stood up, pushed her chair back and the leg of the chair hit my knee. We both collided, my drink pressing up against her back and falling to the floor, her chair falling sideways to the ground.

"I'm so sorry," Layal gasped, her eyes looking at my drink splattered on the ground. Once her eyes met mine, her words were cut off, as soon as she noticed that it was me. "Oh."

"3ade." I shrugged it off, her friends stared at me in awe. 

"I'll pay for your next drink," Layal hesitated for a second before grabbing her wallet from her Alexander Wang purse, offering to pay back.

"Shd3wa kela 1KD (**that's like around $5 in USA money? Not sure but not expensive)." I stated, my eyes staring at her more colourful ones. I caught the scent of her perfume, the same perfume I smelled months ago.

"Uhm, akeed?" She looked like she wanted to get this over with but her eyes wouldn't leave mine either. I fought the urge of pulling her away from the cafe and taking her to a private place just to talk like old times. Just to laugh with her, see her smile and know that I was behind that smile.

"Eee, don't worry about it." I gave her a smile. Her posture turned rigid, she looked away, ignoring my smile and simply said "Okay."

After that, I left her and left the cafe, walking to my car with my head drooped down, disappointment filling me. I was about to climb into my car but something stopped me.

Layal's voice.

"Thari!"

Le Chase Chapter 32

I had such a long day today (my days have been super long everyday now::), this is what school/university/work does to you. I miss summer! I don't miss the weather, but the vacation? Definitely! Who else is looking forward to that tall boots, soft sweater and short days season? I hope everyone's coping with work/uni/school, there's always the part where you get to see your friends everyday and in my high school days, they were the most hyper/craziest ones. So I guess the whole summer ending thing isn't all that bad:p there's always next summer of 2013 to look forward to (enshallah). Haha, hope you enjoy this chapter, I don't think it will be that long since I need to have dinner and sleep soon (early nights when you have early classes). 

Farah & Lema; this chapter goes out to you two beautiful sisters! Meeting you two coincidentally was simply amazing, the most cutest and nicest girls I've ever met, and the craziest Masquerade lovers too! This goes out to you two, much love. PS: Farah emnawraa el jam3a kilha. x

-

Previously in Chapter 32

"Yalla?" 3abbas looked over to me in the pine tree air freshener smelling car. I nodded, pushing the passenger door open to walk up to the house with 3abbas by my side.

I pressed a finger over the plastic doorbell. We both waited patiently after hearing thedingalonglong of the sound of the doorbell. Finally, the peach painted door was pulled open by a figure.

"You." The figure breathed out in disgust.

-

My eyes were placed over two squinty ones, I looked down, since the figure was pretty short. And what did I find?

Shamlan.

"Et3arfoun b3a'9?" 3abbas asked me, looking confused. His eyes curiously looked back at Shamlan, questioning why his eyes were full of hatred for me. I had a rough idea why the dude hated my guts.

"Unfortunately," I groaned under my breath but Shamlan caught me, his eyes glared right at me, shooting laser through his dark maroon pupils.

"Shtabe?" Shamlan spit out, his question aimed at me.

"Akeed el bait ghala6, t3al 3abbas." I was in the midst of turning around and re-checking 3abbas's tracker on his laptop but 3abbas's hand grabbed my elbow, stopping me before I could escape. I had an anger problem, if I saw that mouse's face once again or heard his squeamish voice, I'm pretty sure I'd punch his ratty face into the hard concrete ground.

"Thari, the house's right," 3abbas looked annoyed, wanting to get this situation over with. He took control and continued talking, this time, to Shamlan instead of me. "Sheft'ha?"

I turned around and found 3abbas holding up a picture of my Mom. It was an old picture of her, she had a wide smile, her eyes squinting slightly as wrinkles formed along her forehead and around her delicate eyes. I could see my Dad's arm next to her, but he was obviously cropped out. He looked like a corpse arm, just laying next to her.

"Rafeejat ome, ga3da titghada 3ndna al7een, laish?" Shamlan's rough exterior was replaced with a curious expression.

"Omi mawjouda 3ndekom?" I suddenly blurted out.

"Omik?" Shamlan looked disgusted once again as soon as I spoke. "Akeed you two are related?

"Jawib 3la-" I began to shout but 3abbas held an arm in front of me, stopping me from touching or trying to punch that annoying little mouse.

"Had a39abik Thari! Walla yahal entow." 3abbas chuckled, finding it funny. Shamlan just looked frightened, he already took a step back, too scared that I'd punch him with my glare. "Al7een negder endish? Eee ehya oma."

"Mu men 9ijik 9a7? Adakhil hal athwal eb baiti?" Shamlan regained his confidence, trying to siwlr some masculinity into his voice, making it deeper but the act didn't scare or fool me. Not for a second. It just made me want to tear 3abbas's arm off so I can kill that rat.

"Thari, stay here. Ana badish." 3abbas shook his head in annoyance. 

"Baitik? Qa9dik bait omik w obouk," I hissed under my breath, ridiculing Shamlan. 3abbas took a step forward, walking into the house. I was about to get my chance to sneak in or push Shamlan out of the way but the little mouse was too fast, he shut the door in my face with a loud bang, locking me out.

That son of.. 

And with that, a hundred curse words ran in and out of my head, angering me even further. For some reason, once I was done saying the hundred curse words, spitting them out, hissing through my teeth, I heard the door unlock and open. I quickly looked up from the ground, the ground that my foot kept kicking at in a frustrated way, and found my mother next to 3abbas.

I was hoping Shamlan was with them too so I could get a punch at him for a minute but he wasn't there. My mom's eyes were depressed, they looped slightly, her once wrinkled yet vibrant smile was replaced with a half frown, looking unhappy that I found her.

"Khaleiteena m3a obouy brou7na? Khaleitay Wath7a brou7ha?" Suddenly my anger wasn't aimed at Shamlan anymore, they were aimed at my mother and father.

"Thari chem mara lazem agoulk had a39abik?" 3abbas hissed, his eyes forcefully trying to calm me down.

"Shnu? Mu mistansa ena wldch jidamch al7een? Ley hal deraja entay w obouy ma taboune?" My voice started to crack, my anger melting away. Sorrow filed my heart, for all those picture perfect years, being pure lies. We were merely a photoshopped picture, made to look beautiful on the outside.

"Thari ma tadre shga3d y9eer bel bait! Enta kelyoum hayet, emsafer aw nayem eb bait 3abbas!" Mom unleashed her words, she was silent but now she was finally shouting back, using her anger towards my father as an excuse to blame it on me.

"Shnu thanb Wath7a?" I didn't bother arguing about her points about me. My words silenced her. Her mouth hung open for a few seconds, ready to strike back with more words but she quickly shut her mouth back up, unable to find an excuse.

"Did you know she's forcing your daughter to call her mom?" I quietly said. I didn't notice the fact that 3abbas has already left our side and was in the car, giving us both privacy to talk.

"Zoujat obouk?" My mom finally found her words, her eyes were full of glassy tears, ready to shatter and spill.

"Ana rayal, mu yahel, I don't need either of you." I spat out in disgust. "Bas Wath7a yahel, don't ruin her childhood like you ruined mine."

"Thari-" My mother began once again, her tears spilling over, her cheeks now wet and flooded.

"Wath7a ekrehat obouy, la etkhaleenha tikrihich entay b3ad," I breathed out my last words, holding my hand up to cut off her argument. 

"Thari you don't know what's happening." My mom called out, her voice cracking once I turned around to give her my back, ready to walk away.

"3yal tell me!" I called out, my back still in view. I was waiting for something, I was waiting for her to stop me, or say something that would stop me, or her calling my name, I was waiting for SOMETHING. I even slowed down my pace to the car, giving her all the time to speak up.

But do you know what I heard instead?

Shamlan's house door. It was shut and locked, not even a word or whisper, but instead the sound of the bang of the door. I clenched my fingers into hard fists, finding this hard to believe. I simply pulled the passenger door of the car open, sitting right alongside 3abbas. He didn't say anything, he twisted the keys in the ignition and started the engine, driving away from Shamlan's house.

"She'll come around." 3abbas suddenly said, breaking the silence once we were on the road. 

After 15 minutes of spacing out, just unable to speak. I found that 3abbas parked outside Starbucks. I followed him out of the car, feeling numb. He ordered a cup of black coffee for me as I sat at a table in the middle of the cafe.

"Kaa, yalla eshrab." 3abbas handed me the coffee beaned scented cup. The smell was strong, just smelling the drink woke up half of the cells on my body. I drank the first shot down, the hot liquid oozing around in my throat once it was done filling my mouth, my taste buds cringed at the strong metallic taste. 0 sugar, 100% coffee.

But even the drink wasn't enough. I needed something else.

A wad of smoke swirled in front of me, blurring my vision for a second. I looked up from my drink, my fingers clutching the once hot empty cup. 3abbas had already lit up a cigarette and had it wedged in between his lips. The smoke was seducing me, I noticed 3abbas's shoulders relax as soon as he inhaled the smoke into his raspy lungs.

The cigarette packet was in front of me on the wooden table, along with 3abbas's blood red lighter. I ignored my brain for a moment and reached out to take one cigarette from the packet. Just one, it wouldn't hurt, right? I lit up the cigarette, I've watched 3abbas do this a hundred times but my fingers wobbled in an amateur way. 3abbas watched me in amusement.

I finally had the cigarette in between my lips, I forcefully took a long puff of smoke into me. I ended up coughing uncontrollably, the smoke burnt my lungs and the taste disgusted the small taste buds on my tongue. I was about to throw the cigarette away but the after feeling of the cigarette left me wanting more of the disgusting taste. It wasn't pleasant, but it sure as hell made me feel less stressed. 

And soon enough, I had already smoked my first cigarette and was grabbing my second.

Just one more Thari.

I kept saying that to myself, until I practically finished 3abbas's pack of cigarettes.

"Offh shway shway!" 3abbas laughed at how quick I was from finishing his pack of cigarettes.

"Weeeh, ma 3ndek akthar?" I lazily asked.

"Fee baqala (*baqala = a small supermarket) yemna." 3abbas pointed to the small building next to Starbucks. I hurried over to the lit building, the sliding doors causing a waft of wind to rush into my clothes before I was in front of the magazine section, where the cigarettes were displayed.

I chose the same packet of cigarettes as 3abbas's, but I chose a bigger packet than his, knowing now I would crave for more if I finished them. 

"Denny, do we need more cereal? Or is this enough?" A female's voice was speaking behind me.

"No no Layal, we bought too much already," a Filipino lady replied.

Layal?

I turned around, my hands gripping two big packs of cigarettes. What was also next to me? The cashier. The stupid, stupid cashier which Layal was at, waiting for her turn. She wore a pair of comfortable Free City sweats, uggs and a simple white long sleeved shirt, her face clear of make up. Her coloured eyes found mine, staring right at her. She looked excited to have seen me, but her eyes quickly looked down at my hands, which were holding the cigarettes. Next, her nose started to sniff about, she easily caught the scent of smoke on me.

The next thing I knew, she gave me her back, ignoring my existence and continuing to pay for her groceries. I was confused, what was going on? I watched her leave and continue ignoring me. Was it because her housekeeper was with her? That's why she ignored me?

My Samsung vibrated in my pocket, I dropped the packs of cigarettes onto the cashier table and slid my  fingers into the warmth of my pocket to retrieve my cellphone. I ignored my mentions on Twitter and Instagram, scrolled through my Whatsapp chats to find Layal's chat, with a new message from her.

Layal: I asked Ebrahim (remember who he is? My brother? The one you told me you were good friends with?) if he knew you, he told me he didn't know you or know your name. I didn't want to be a jerk and assume bad things about you, I said oh how cute Thari made up an excuse just so he could help me out, it wasn't something bad he lied about. But then, I see you with those cigarettes, the disgusting smell of them was all over you, I could smell it, no matter how big the distance was between us. You told me you didn't smoke, one more lie Thari. One more lie to your list of them, what else did you lie about? Or you know what? I don't even care;* kheera, thanks for showing me your true colours, bye Thari.

And just like that.

I was blocked from her Whatsapp, Twitter.. everything.

Le Chase Chapter 31

Hey there! The weather's amazing in Kuwait today, sunny but a bit windy too, not that hot. So yeah, I pretty much have my window open, the sun filling my room and my skin getting that warm summer feeling, even though it's nearing towards winter. My midterm exams have already started unfortunately, so I guess you've been noticing less and less chapters lately, that's why. I skipped an outing and put aside my uni work for later on today so I could write, I've got all these bottled up ideas ready to jump out of my head if I don't start writing haha, I also felt guilty for not posting as much anymore.

I also know quite a big number of my followers have gone through something truly sad, the passing of Iman Marshy, I am deeply sorry to every person who knew this wonderful girl or is related to her, I don't know her but I've heard about her story, it's all over my timeline, both on my blog and personal one. Allah yer7amha, truly sorry for your loss and I just wanted people to at least pray for her and all of the others who passed away. Always pray, for the good of others and show respect, you would want the same for yourself if it was you in the depressing situation. Wouldn't you want others to pray for you to go to Heaven? Or have a peaceful journey on your way there? Treat others how you would want to be treated, that's my life motto.

Anyways, sorry, hopefully this chapter will be a distraction to your life's troubles. There's always good in the bad, always remember that and be positive. God's always been here, don't ever forget that He's watching over all of us, He's there for you if you need to talk to someone.

*I know I've said this a million times but I should say it again: my characters are fictional, the events are fictional, do not become influenced by their actions, this world does not exist in reality and is only here for entertainment purposes, if you want to be raised up properly then do not go to blogs/books/movies, go to your parents.

Dedicated to the beautiful and amazing S_AlBinali. Thank you for all your support! :*

-

Previously in Chapter 30:

"@ThariAlX: El9ara7a bas mistanes 3shan ga3d akelmch 3adel. Finally."

"Thari?" A sweetly toned voice called me. I suddenly looked up to find Bdour standing in front of me, her gleaming eyes furious to have caught me messaging on my Samsung, clearly ignoring her message.

-

"Ahlain," I greeted Bdour, keeping my eyes on my phone, not really paying much attention to her. The other guys started staring at us for a few minutes, most of them had their eyes on Bdour's super tight shirt, showing off her curves.

"Bakelmik digeega," Bdour's fingers wrapped around my bicep, tugging on it, as if to help me stand up but I stood my ground, not bothering to move.

"Ana mashghoul al7een, tabeen shay?" I averted my eyes away from my phone and laid them on her face. She looked shocked and embarrassed that I'd so publicly reject her offer of a private discussion.

"Uhm, la2 khala9." Bdour slowly let go of my bicep, still looking at me with wide eyes. She quickly changed her facial expression and walked off without another word.

"Hathee mnu?" Mishare, a friend, asked me once he was done staring at her bottom while she walked away. I was 100% sure Bdour was pissed as hell right now.

"Wa7da lazga," I shrugged it off, the guys chuckled, all of them having their fair share of those girls who would stick to you like glue when you obviously wanted nothing to do with them. I found a new message from Layal, that distracted me from the whole Bdour thing and my smile was back.

"@LayalAlX: Aww.. madre shagoul Thari."

"@ThariAlX: I usually make the girls speechless;p"

"@LayalAlX: Malet 3leik I was just going to say how sweet you were and finally switch to whatsapp with you cus asasan dms annoy me."

"@ThariAlX: Loooool atghashmar yuba, there's only one girl in my life anyway. And really? Whatsapp?"

"@LayalAlX: I wonder who she is. & Ee really."

"@ThariAlX: Someone you know, yalla 3yal add me on whatsapp: *********."

After that, our convos were switched to Whatsapp messenger, that way, we were faster when we both spoke to each other. I clicked over Layal's picture and was disappointed that it was a picture of a baby, instead of her. I quickly switched back to the convo to see what she wrote.

Layal: Hmmmm. :p

Thari: Al7een ma tabeen t3rfeen mnu el bent?

Layal: Nope not really.

Thari: Afa laish?

Layal: Basss.

Thari: Don't make me call you.

Layal: Looool tara ma etkhare3.

I was guessing she was still inside the university. I liked a girl who challenged me. I stood up from my seat, excusing myself from the guys and took fifteen steps away from our table. I stood under a tree, the branches shaded the rays of the sunlight, trying to attack my skin. I dialled Layal's number, actually excited to get an excuse to call.

"Al7een khara3tch?" I chuckled through the phone once she answered, not bothering to wait for her to say "aloo" or something, but what took me off guard was the reply I got.

"Yal 7m*r! Ma tisti7y 3la wayhik etdig 3la khe6bety?!"A hoarse manly voice snapped at me.

"Shnu?" I breathed out, my voice quiet. I felt my back thrust itself against the tree's branch, I was too shocked to speak properly. Did I hear his words correctly? Did he actually say that Layal was engaged? And who the hell is he? Why did he have her phone?

"Shamlan 3a6nee telephonee!" I heard Layal's voice in the background.

"Eee, KHE6BETY. Sh3abalik? Hey entay, siktay wla agoul 7ag obouch ench ga3da etghazleen wa7d athwal ma yisma3." He sounded furious, his voice infuriating me because of the way he spoke to Layal. I also heard a blender in the background and a Filipino lady asking someone for their order.

I immediately knew where they were. I hung up on Layal's "fiancee", rushing inside the university, my toms sliding over the concrete floors. I was about to collide with some guy whilst running, but I slowed my pace. I finally reached to where Starbucks was, I found Layal arguing with a short skinny guy. His voice was the exact opposite of his appearance. I hurried over to where they stood, next to the blenders, Layal had her phone back in her hand, her face too engrossed into the argument with this "Shamlan" guy to notice me standing next to her.

"Makh6ouba, ha?" I startled her with my words, she quickly turned around to face me, her expression helpless.

"Eeee makh6ouba, enta el athwal?" Shamlan's short height and lanky body was nothing compared to my muscular one but his confidence was oozing out of him. He stood in front of me, ready for a fight. No one was around us, most of the students were in classes or didn't come to university yet.

"We're not engaged!" Layal hissed to Shamlan, trying to lower her voice even though no one was really around.

"Embala we are!" Shamlan argued back. They both looked like two kids, having a fight over who should get the piece of candy. If the fight wasn't about Layal, I would have laughed. Even if Shamlan looked like a tiny mouse, the jealousy in me was pouring out nonetheless.

"Shamlan we're cousins! You're like my brother and my father would never agree to it anyway," Layal rolled her eyes at him.

"Mom already talked to your brother 7amany and everything, shfeech entay!?" Shamlan argued, crossing his arms over his chest like a kid.

"You're 2 years younger than me you idiot, being a genius and getting into university two years early won't change the fact that you'll graduate after I do." Layal sighed, shaking her head at him. "7amany was joking with your mom, I was there yal thake."

"La7tha la7tha, al7een y3ne entay makh6ouba wela la2?" I ran my fingers through my hair, getting a headache from this mess.

"We're not." Layal said at the same time as Shamlan, when he said "We are."

"Layal, ya etgouleen ee wela agoul 7ag obouch ena hal athwal 7abeebch," Shamlan pointed towards me when he said "athwal".

"Hey hey, t7acha-" I was about to tell him off, my fist ready to punch him in the face.

"He's my fiancee, I'm allowed to talk to him before we get married." Layal gave Shamlan a sarcastic smile whilst I stared at Layal in awe. Did she just call me her fiancee?

"Shnuuuuuuuuuu?" Shamlan gasped, pronouncing the word as "shenaaaaaaaaaw". His small eyes squinted back at me in fury.

"A9lan ma y9eer!" Shamlan started blabbering about.

"Shnu ma y9eer? We have to get to know each other a little bit more if we want to get married." Layal started making up facts to shut him up.

"Bas.. Layal ana a7bch." Shamlan's eyes begged.

Okay, that was his last straw. I couldn't help it anymore, the fury got the best of me. I grabbed ahold of the back of his shirt, easily pulling him off the ground, his feet dangling in the air.

"LAAAAYAAAAL." Shamlan squeaked out in fear.

"Thari don't hit him!" Layal stopped my fist midair, I was about to make sure one of his teeth fell out.

"Shal 7achy?! A7bch?! Ma tisti7y 3la wayhik etgoul hal kalam jidam zoujha el mustaqbal?!" I nearly shouted, my teeth baring at him, ready to bite off his large ears.

"Sir, please do not fight in the cafe!" One of the waiters fearfully kept a step away from me.

"Asif asif, walla ma ra7 agouleha a7bch, don't hit me." Shamlan's confidence melted away, his weakness showing.

"Thari let him go," Layal's voice was serious. I obeyed and let go of the mouse Shamlan. I made sure I did it as roughly as possible so Shamlan would fall to the ground, hitting his elbow to the floor.

"Offh," Shamlan groaned out. He quickly stood up, trying to gain back his manliness.

"9adegt b3ad? A9lan ana mu khayef mnk yal athwal," Shamlan hissed before running off, I was about to grab him again to make sure I punch that squeamish face of his but Layal's fingers grabbed the back of my shirt, stopping me.

"Thari, calm down." Layal said behind me, I turned around to face her. I didn't understand how she could stay so calm, that little brat annoyed the hell out of me, especially how he spoke to Layal in such an ill mannered way.

"Asif," I sighed, scratching the back of my neck. I was sure the veins in my neck were about to pop out from how angry I was.

"It's okay, I just hope Shamlan doesn't go to my brother and ask him if the things I said were true or not." Layal looked down at the ground, her eyes full of worry. I wanted to take that worry away.

"You won't have to be scared, if..." I began to say but quickly stopped.

"If what?" She looked up, catching every word.

"If it was true."

"What are you saying?"

"You'll see." I gave her a smile that held a secret.

"Thari, shnu?" Layal asked again.

"Ne6ray entay. Yalla al7een ana lazem arou7, etha athaach el ghabe mara thanya, call me. Okay?" I didn't wait for her to reply, I walked off before the cafe filled itself with students and witnesses that would probably shoot laser death stares at Layal and I for even speaking so comfortably in public.

That day, 3abbas finally finished his classes early and we were both able to visit the house we tracked down right after lunch. We both were guessing my mom was staying over that house while she was missing. 3abbas parked his car right along the curb of the road.

The house had pillars, a balcony and it looked like it had two floors. It was painted in light crimson, trees hugged around the area and the door looked welcoming. An audi black car was parked outside.

"Yalla?" 3abbas looked over to me in the pine tree air freshener smelling car. I nodded, pushing the passenger door open to walk up to the house with 3abbas by my side.

I pressed a finger over the plastic doorbell. We both waited patiently after hearing the dingalonglong of the sound of the doorbell. Finally, the peach painted door was pulled open by a figure.

"You." The figure breathed out in disgust.


*This is not my best chapter so far, sam7ouny but I have exams and two 8 page research papers to write for this week. I couldn't take too much time on writing this chapter.

Le Chase Chapter 30

What a busy busy week (yet again). You know what I absolutely hate about uni? The quizzes! It's like, they tell you congrats you just got a great mark on the quiz today but hey by the way, the next quiz is next week. I'm so used to the British system, it would depend on teachers and if they were the test/quiz types but mostly in my high school years, tests would be like, once a month or something. Now it's every subject, a quiz every week. It's not even the small quizzes you can study for in a few minutes, the content is long and requires a whole day of stressing out if not more than a day, then the quiz turns out to be super simple and usually half of it is stuff you don't remember taking or hearing in lectures. Annoying, isn't it?

And don't even get me started on some of the professors, if you have a good one, you better stick to him/her like a leech. Anyways, back to why all of you are here now, to read the next post and not read my rants. :p

-

Previously in Chapter 29:


I read the following new message, that also caused my smile from ear to ear.

"@LayalAlX: Yeah, it was you. I mean, yeah you seemed like a jerk at first but then I was wrong. I was talking about you all along when we were messaging. I like you Thari. Please la etfashilny aw shay whenever we see each other next, okay?:p I answered your question, happy?" 

-

It's been a day, where strangely, Layal and I have been talking 24/7 on twitter DMs. I also tried the trick where I said my messages were freezing up, so giving her the hint we should switch to Whatsapp since she's an iPhone user, but all she did was tell me to reboot my Samsung a few times and it should be working fine afterwards.

Yeah, well that was a total fail.

3abbas and I got caught up in annoying university quizzes, I would have totally skipped the studying but 3abbas forced me to wait one more day before driving to the house where Mom was at. He knew my grades were getting worse, my GPA decreasing because of the messes I've had to deal with lately. I also needed 3abbas because he had the address, I didn't get to memorise or take it earlier, if only I knew he was going to force me to study yesterday instead of investigate the disappearance of my Mom.

"Pens down! Time's up," the instructor's heavy Arabian accented bombarded my thoughts. I looked down at my quiz, my handwriting was a mess and was squinty looking, but I got to answer every question. I handed the paper over to the guy next to me, letting him pass it to the front. I sat at the back of the class, avoiding the spit of the professor. Every time he gave us a lecture, he had to spit into someone's face as he was too engrossed into the topic he was talking about. I felt sorry for the guys who were forced to sit at the front once the seats at the back were all taken, their faces were usually wet after each class.

"Ha, shloun kan el quiz?" M6ref, a tall lanky looking guy with a clean shaven face asked me once we were out of class.

"Offh sahel," I answered confidently but my mind was completely elsewhere.

"9ej? 3ad kan 9a3b 3nde," he shrugged, his camel toned skin looking brighter in the sunlight once we walked out of the university through a doorway, near the class. We both walked towards a table outside that 3abbas and a couple of other guys sat at, their cigarettes in between their lips, their dark tongues whipping around the tobacco, tasting it on their taste buds before inhaling the poisonous smoke.

"Halla walla Bu Sultan!" 3abbas grinned over to M6ref, engaging him with a hug as a greeting and a slap on the back. I already had greeted 3abbas in the morning, I pulled a free seat and sat onto it, the other guys already giving me grins of welcome.

"Meta betkhale9 classes?" I asked 3abbas, my fingers wedging into the pockets of my shorts, the morning sun bathing my naked legs, hinting winter's farewell.

"Bas bageely one class, at 12pm w ba3dain bakhale9, enta?" 3abbas asked once I had my Samsung out of my pockets and in the palm of my hands. I was eagerly checking Twitter to check if Layal had replied.

"Ana khale9t, an6irik?" I yawned sleepily, I had been up late last night messaging Layal. I clicked over the message icon and saw that there was a new message.

"Eee abeek tetghada 3ndena, ome emsawya mawash roubyan elyoum." 3abbas's eyes were full of hunger, his tongue escaping his mouth to lick his dry lips, letting his cigarette lay over the steel table, resting aside. The smoke whirred around in the wind, I caught a whiff of it, my lungs finding the smoke  delicious to inhale.

"Alllaaah, 7ag el diwaneya elyoum?" Jarra7 was one of the guys, seated with us. His eyes widened in excitement.

"La2 mu 7ag el diwaneya," 3abbas replied.

"3yal shnu 3ashana elyoum?" M6ref tore his eyes away from his blackberry, interested in the conversation.

"KFC, the usual, 3yal shnu?" 3abbas smirked.

"Shm3na Thari biyakil rubyan w e7na KFC? Maleina yuba," Jarra7 laughed.

"Tara entow e'93af 7ail, lazem enwakilkom fast food 3shan timtinoun shway!" 3abbas joked along.

"Agoul, shekly barou7 freej swali7 w bakhith M6ref wyay," Jarra7 shook his head in disapproval, the other guys cracked up. (*freej swali7 is a place full of Arabic dishes like machous delay/dejaj, they deliver it to your house.) 

"7ayakom Allah, goulouly men al7een etha taboun titghadoun 3ndena 3shan adig 3la omy w agouleha etsaweelena akthar," 3abbas gave a welcoming smile.

"Allah y7ayeek ya b3ad chabdy enta bas la2 a9lan ana mashgoul elyoum, khal'ha youm thane." Jarra7 said in between smiles.

"Ee w a9lan elyoun ghadana zubaidi, you know how much I love my fish." M6ref grinned, his teeth baring.

"Khala9 ya jema3a tara ana yi3t al7een," I annoyingly stated, the guys laughing once again.

"Kisar kha6ry Thari," Mishari, a chubby dark skinned 19 year old joined in, his books palced over his lap and a cigarette tucked in between his lips.

"Walla bas enta 7as feene Mishari," I chuckled. I looked back down at my Samsung, drowning out the voices of the guys' conversations so I can concentrate on Layal's message.

"@LayalAlX: Tadree shnu ana mishtehya?:: Pink pasta!"

"@ThariAlX: La la khala9 bamout chithe:'("

"@LayalAlX: Smilla 3leik laish?:o"

"@ThariAlX: Awal shay el shabab all their convos are about food w al7een entay?=))"

"@LayalAlX: Shasawe:: 7aram el bent etyou3?"

"@ThariAlX: A9lan weinch al7een?;p Tara ana bel jam3a."

"@LayalAlX: In class, ugh."

"@ThariAlX: Maths?=))"

"@LayalAlX: Shdarak?::"

(*The smiley "::" or "=))" means the laughing face, both are the same.)

"@ThariAlX: Gilteely ams ench tikriheen shay esma maths w ham gilteely ena it's your first class today.;p"

"@LayalAlX: You remember?"

"@ThariAlX: Tara kan ams, mu gabel chem shahar. =))"

"@LayalAlX: Lool eee bas I didn't think you were really listening. ;p"

"@ThariAlX: Afaa, I don't listen? Al7een ana ga3d asoulif wya mnu?"

"@LayalAlX: Uhmm madre, mnu?"

"@ThariAlX: M3ach entayy, mnu 3yal?=)) Fa akeed I'll listen, it's Layal, it's not anybody.;p"

She took a while to respond, I guessed she got caught up in class, I was about to let go of my phone to engage back into the guys' conversation but my Samsung vibrated, indicating that I got a reply on messages. I looked down, hoping to find a reply from Layal but it was from someone else instead. The name just made me twinge in annoyance.

"@BdourAlX: Tharouyyy abe ashoufeck;( weineck? Bel jam3a?"

I ignored her and scrolled back up to find Layal finally answering my message on Twitter.

"@LayalAlX: I don't believe it, Thari being sweet?:p"

"@ThariAlX: Awal mara etshoufeen this side of me y3ne?;p"

"@LayalAlX: Maybe."

"@ThariAlX: Al7een shm3na you're not being sweet to me too?"

"@LayalAlX: Bassss."

"@ThariAlX: Lazem athakrich?;p"

"@LayalAlX: Thari laaaaa2! You promised!"

"@ThariAlX: Gilteely ena you liked me. :p"

"@LayalAlX: Ba7girik. :)"

"@ThariAlX: Afaaa. :( A9lan tigdireen t7gireeny?;p"

"@LayalAlX: The8a. :: Yalla al7een ba6la3 men el class, akheeeeeran!"

"Thari, tabe shay men Starbucks?" Mishari's voice caused my head to shoot up suddenly.

"Ha? La2 mashkour," my eyes travelled to the right, and the university windows showed me the corridors inside. We were sitting right next to the glass window, we got the view of girls rushing out of a class. One of them was a smiling Layal, her smile aimed at the thin girl walking next to her. Layal wore a Louis Vuitton belt over a simple black turtle neck sweater, dark veil, brown knee high leather boots and jeans.

"@ThariAlX: Eee shftch tawa."

I watched Layal, she stopped in her track, her eyes peering over her iPhone, probably reading my message. She quickly looked around her, trying to find me.

"@LayalAlX: Huh? Wein?"

"@ThariAlX: Jidamich. =))"

Her eyes widened at my message, she looked up, as if she was going to find me standing in front of her but she realisation struck her once she saw me sitting outside, my eyes peering right at her through the window. Her eyes met mine, I didn't know why but I looked away once she caught me.

"Shfeek ga3d ti'97ak?" 3abbas was watching me, his questioned dwelled the fact that my smile was huge.

"La2 wela shay bas gareit broadcast yi'9a7ik," I lied, since the guys were seated around us and I didn't exactly broadcast any of my business to them. I looked back down at my Samsung, expecting another message from Layal.

"@LayalAlX: Lool! Eee twne ashoufk, ma 3ndk class?"

"@ThariAlX: La2 khale9t:p entay?"

"@LayalAlX: Omw (on my way) to my next class now."

"@ThariAlX: Looool=)) 6i7say."

"@LayalAlX: Wow you're so nice Thari Al-X, so nice. :c"

"@ThariAlX: Kesertay kha6ry, khala9 asif asif, tabeene a7'9ir bidalch?;p"

"@LayalAlX: Walla el fekra 3ajeeba bas yabeelik wig w 7umra 7amra. ::"

"@ThariAlX: La khala9 ensay ma ra7 asaweeha =)) shrayich ayeeblch pink pasta ma tz3leen?"

"@LayalAlX: Men weinlk pink pasta?"

"@ThariAlX: I can cook. ;p"

"@LayalAlX: Adre it's off topic bas 3ade as2lk su2al?"

"@ThariAlX: Go ahead."

"@LayalAlX: Do you smoke?"

"@ThariAlX: No, do you?=))"

"@LayalAlX: Enta feek shay elyoum?:: Akeed fa9l, wla sherabt shay?::"

"@ThariAlX: Agoulech el9ij?"

"@LayalAlX: Goul."

"@ThariAlX: EL9ara7a bas mistanes 3shan ga3d akelmch 3adel. Finally."

"Thari?" A sweetly toned voice called me. I suddenly looked up to find Bdour standing in front of me, her gleaming eyes furious to have caught me messaging on my Samsung, clearly ignoring her message.

Problems with chapters.

Chapter 20&21 ARE available, look down and you'll find them, problem is that they're not in order. I can't seem to find a solution yet, unless I delete all my chapters and re-post them, I might do that tomorrow or after tomorrow if I don't find a better solution.

Chapter 20: http://v-ie.blogspot.com/2012/09/le-chase-chapter-20.html

Chapter 21: http://v-ie.blogspot.com/2012/09/le-chase-chapter-21.html

Le Chase Chapter 21

Okay second chapter now, and it's now 4:03 am. Running out of ideas already, yalla I'll make up stuff as I go. \o/

Chapter 20: http://v-ie.blogspot.com/2012/09/le-chase-chapter-20.html

-

Was this girl serious? She was going to threaten me?

I knew exactly how to deal with her.

"@******: 7beebty asif walla;* kent mista3eel w nafseety kanet kh*ra, sam7eeny?:$"

"@BdourAlX: Ooooh:$ la la 3ade 7beeby:$ awal mara etnadeeny 7beebty hehe."

Ghabeya. I snickered to myself as I typed up the next message, I was now on 3abbas's comfortable couch in the diwaneya, sleepiness threatening to overtake me.

"@*******: Ya 7alat'ha tisti7y;*"

"@BdourAlX: Hehe:$ yalla enshallah next time enrou7 starbucks mu lazem tiyee elyoum, and next time we'll be alone, oki?:$"

"@*******: As you wish babe;*"

"@BdourAlX: Hehe:$"

Her 'hehe's' were starting to annoy me, I didn't realise how much a girl would use one expression so many times before. I knew she would threaten me again in the future if I stopped sugar coating my messages for her, I needed something on her, so she would keep her mouth shut.

"@*******: 7beebtyy mu 3ndch 9oura w entay eb bikini?;*"

I was definitely not going to see that picture, I just needed to keep one for safety measures.

"@BdourAlX: Naughty:$ I'll send it to you on whatsapp, what's your number?"

Well that was easy, I thought she would at least say that we had to be closer or we had to have known each other better before she'd send such a picture. This just made my judgement about her even more true, I sent her my second number, the one I didn't usually used and it was in my blackberry phone. I didn't want her to have my permanent number.

In a few minutes, she sent me a bikini photo on Whatsapp, I saw it from the outside but I didn't click on it, it took a lot of will not to. I kept it in my blackberry picture folder, I was going to threaten her with it if she ever threatened me again with the blog. I wasn't an idiot to fall for a girl's evil plan, she was the idiot to fall for mine.

"@BdourAlX: What do you think of the picture?:$"

"@*******: Wai3. Next time you threaten me, think about that picture being sent to every guy in Kuwait "baby". ;*"

And with that, I blocked her and unfollowed her. I wish I could have seen her expression when she read my message, I bet it was priceless. This was just too easy, too freaking easy. I decided to follow request Layal on my personal twitter, if she accepted then that would mean she wasn't mad or anything, right?

That afternoon, I fell asleep for 8 lovely hours. 3abbas forced me awake afterwards for our football match. We both changed into our sports clothes (which consisted of shorts and a Barca shirt) and headed out, my body felt untrained and weak but after tonight, it'll be tired and sweaty from all the exercise. It was a feeling that I loved.

Once we were at the field, there already were guys surrounded everywhere, stretching or on their phones, or just talking to their friends. I dumped my bag which held a towel, 3 water bottles and extra clothes if I needed to change.

The game lasted 2 hours, we would usually play for ages and take a break in between, the rush and the sudden heat in the winter felt great. My muscles were sore and throbbing after the long match.

"Benrou7 jam3eyat Al Zahra, yalla bitiyee?" Ghanim, a tall rugged and muscled friend of mine patted my back as I was trying to look for my water bottle in my grey sports bag. The water had stayed cold because of the chilly weather, even though my skin felt lava hot.

"Ma feeh shay." I said with a confused expression.

"Offh kela gaz, min 9ijik? El'9aher wela mara ri7t'la at 11pm." Ghanim grinned. I didn't feel like going there to hook up with girls, they gave me a headache, especially that Bdour.

"I'll pass." I slipped off my shirt that was soaked in sweat and threw the rest of the water from the bottle over my hair, letting the water dribble over my heated skin. The wind rushed into me, cooling me off, causing me to shiver. I felt refreshed again.

"Yalla 3ad." Ghanim nagged at me, 3abbas walked over to us to continue the nagging contest.

"Shnu bitsawe? Etrid el diwaneya? Maku a7ad a9lan." 3abbas tried changing my mind.

"Waray jam3a bacher." I gave an excuse.

"W etha?" Ghanim laughed mockingly, he was in his twenties and he was on a break from everything, so he had no job, he only had time to waste.

"Hff okay okay." I surrendered, the guys were stubborn as heck and I knew they didn't mind nagging at me all night. I pulled a Abercrombie hoodie from my bag and pulled it over the naked first half of my body before following the guys.

3abbas and I used my car, the other guys drove in their own. 3abbas kept turning up the volume of various songs on the radio, he was definitely in a party mood whereas I, just wanted to sleep some more. I was pretty sure I was going to be tired as hell tomorrow morning and grouchy too.

"Hey, ley meta bitiktab 7ag el blog?" 3abbas asked me as I drove towards the road that led us to Al Zahra.

"Madre, laish?" I shrugged.

"Tara yifashel." 3abbad bluntly said.

"W laish yifashel?" I snapped.

"Ryal shkubrik takteb 3an qi9at 7ayatik?" 3abbas chuckled, clearly mocking me.

"A9lan gareita?" I challenged him.

"L-la2..." 3abbas answered in a quiet tone. I didn't bother saying anything else, 3abbas was starting to piss me off recently, I wanted to get out of his property already so I didn't have to stay quiet with my comebacks. He had no idea what I put myself through so just he wouldn't get in trouble with his own parents.

I parked the car in front of the super market, about three other cars followed me, holding most of the other guys. The rest of them decided to go home, some of them already were married and had kids so I didn't blame them.

We entered the large building, in front of us it took us towards the actual super market but to our left, it held stores for 3abayas or cakes, to our right were other stores, and most importantly, the cafe Starbucks, where all the "gaz" (gaz = flirting in slang) happened.

The cafe was packed with guys and girls, all of them probably had an early morning to get up to tomorrow but they didn't seem to care as they gazed at any other good looking person with longing.
The guys poured into the cafe to order but 3abbas and Ghanim stole the table that was right next to about 5 teenage girls who had their face caked with make up and their manicured hands holding onto their steaming hot coffees.

"Thari, t3al." Ghanim waved me over. I sat besides him and the girls ignored our presence but 3abbas didn't take this as a warning to back off, he simply stared at the girl with the long hair, her body thin but elegant. She was the only one in the group that didn't have so much make up on and she was definitely 3abbas's type.

"Shal sha3ar el 7lu." 3abbas whispered in a husky voice, the girl that sat nearest to him shot him a dirty look. I gave them a helpless expression.

"Yalla 3ad, tara they're young." I said to 3abbas, who was still trying to get the long haired girl to notice him.

"Ush." 3abbas hissed over to me in annoyance.

 "3abbas shouf hathee ga3da etkhizik." Ghanim smirked, pointing over to a girl that didn't look good looking at all and her clothes were too tight, too revealing and it cried out "desperate" and "easy". 3abbas's two favourite words.

"Offhh, shlabsa hathee?" 3abbas laughed, making sure the girl heard him.

"I bet you can't get her number now." Ghanim smacked 3abbas's arm, laughing at him ocne he noticed that 3abbas pissed the girl off.

"Watch me." 3abbas winked at both of us, he left the table and made his way behind the girl. She was standing in the line for her turn to order and 3abbas made it seem like he was waiting too but I saw his lips mouth. He was whispering to the girl and she was listening alright, she was trying her best not to smile.

The next thing I knew, 3abbas got out his blackberry and then it was the girl's turn to start whispering, the words that I could read from her lips were numbers, she was giving 3abbas her number and 3abbas was recording them into his Porsche blackberry.

In a few minutes, he came back to our table with a satisfied smile on his face. He dialed the number in front of us and kept it on speaker. A ringtone jingled out loud, we turned around and it was the girl's phone ringing. She answered it and at the same time, we heard her deep voice through 3abbas's phone:

"Aloo?" She tried to deepen her voice in a seductive way.

"Walla enik rayal!" Ghanim let out a deep laugh and slapped 3abbas's back. 3abbas didn't bother replying to the girl, he hung up on her and looked proud of himself.

"Tawik etla7i'9?" 3abbas replied in a confident voice which only gained him another proud smack on the back from Ghanim.

"Offh offh 6a3 hathee, bsr3a." Ghanim's eyes nearly widened and his gaze was on someone in front of us. I quickly turned around and found a girl, maybe 163cm tall, her slender body was clothed in a comfortable looking and loose sweater, she wore denim leggings and slender boots, a dark veil framed her familiar face.

Layal.

"Hmm shekilha thgeela." Ghanim inspected her. "Now watch me get her number."

Le Chase Chapter 29

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” 
― Albert Einstein

*Note: my stories aren't true, they are all purely fiction. I had to say it again because one of my readers thought this story was true. I'm not anonymous. And I am also not 18, I turned 16 recently (24/07/1996) and yes I go to a university, British system allows you to graduate in Year 11, plus I went to high school earlier than everyone, hence why I am so young and already in my first year at uni. This is so I don't need to answer this question again and again.

Thank you @DanahAO & @ReemaAlSheikh for the help!:*

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"She uses an iPhone right?" 3abbas asked me, as his leg lazily drooped over under him, on his canopy bed. I stood right besides him, my eyes looming over his laptop and gadgets. 3abbas was always the tech nerd in the group, even though his appearance always gave him the stereotypical jock title, the one who looks all buff and big yet has no brain, 3abbas was the exact opposite of that stereotype.

"Yeah but it's switched off, how can you track her?" I scratched the back of my head nervously, scared that 3abbas would tell me he couldn't do it. He tracked down his sister Hessa last year when she supposedly "ran away" to create some statement to her parents. That was when she was 16 years old, she was reckless, still is and always made sure she got what she wanted. If her parents said no, she'd do something crazy, which for her, was running away last year. Too bad her brother was a tech freak, he tracked her down in the next hour. She was in the local supermarket, shopping to waste time.

"I have my ways, be patient." 3abbas grinned, his hands effortlessly typing in such a fast pace over his Mac laptop keyboard. He had another HP laptop next to it, already open and running. I couldn't understand what he was doing, he had loads of browsers open at once, as well as the Appstore on his Mac laptop.

"Shnu ra8amha?" He asked whilst biting his bottom lip, too engrossed into his plan.

"99231***," I answered. He typed the number in, the tick tacking of the keyboards filling my ears. I pulled 3abbas's black sponge-y chair, sitting right onto it, watching 3abbas work. His room squarely shaped with a hang on TV screen, a ps3 laying around on the dark maroon carpet, the curtains were drawn apart and we had the view of the deserted street in front of his house.

"Found her." 3abbas's grin grew wider.

"What?! Where?!" I jolted out of my seat, standing over him once again.

"Here's the address, uhm.." 3abbas looked hesitant to give me the address.

"Shnu ohwa?" I impatiently asked. He turned his laptop around so I could see the screen. I squinted at the bright blare for a second before my eyes adjusted to the brightness. I read the following address, of a house in Surra (a 'man6aqa'/'city' in Kuwait). A house I didn't know.

"Yalla khan rou7!" I suddenly exclaimed, ready to find my mom.

"Hey hey, ma ra7 negder enrou7 al7een." 3abbas killed my excitement.

"Laish?" I huffed.

"It's nearly 11pm, it's too late. Ma en3arif mnu sakin bel bait, 3aib. Enrou7 bacher el'9uher." 3abbas was more realistic than I was.

"Lazem?" I sighed. "It's my mom."

"We can track again tomorrow to check if she left, be patient." 3abbas shook his head.

"Okay okay." I agreed. "Mashkour 3abbas, walla ta3abtik."

"Shd3wa Bo Zaid," 3abbas gave me another one of his wide easy grins.

"Yalla ana bamshy, tamr 3la shay?" I felt more at peace now, at least I knew where Mom was. There was still the fact that I'm probably going to have a little sister or a little brother who was half related to me in 8 months but it wasn't all that bad, right? I was trying to be positive, but the fact that my Dad just became a bigger a**hole lately and his wife has been pestering my sister, trying to replace my mother, wasn't going to change. Positivity wasn't exactly going to change that fact.

El7amdellah 3la kl 7al, I thought to myself. At least I still had clothes on me and a home I could sleep in. If Dad didn't kick me out again, that is.

"Salamtk yal 7beeb." 3abbas said before I left his room. 3abbas's house only had one floor but they had a wide spread of land that the house and diwaneya were built on, so they didn't need an extra floor. There were vases that held different kinds of 3abbas's mother's hand picked flowers everywhere, it gave the whole house a very rosy scent. I was walking down the hallway, past the doors of the rooms in the house, at the end of the hallway, was there entrance door, near it was a another hallway leading you to the large living room. I was holding onto my car keys whilst I left the house, walking past the garden and to where the parking area was.

"Mohammed, I'm standing outside right now, you can't see me? I gave you the address, you brought me to this house more than two times already. No no, I'm telling you, you're at the wrong house because I can't see you or the car anywhere. Mohammed I didn't go to a different house, it's the same house, Hessa Al-X's house!" It was a familiar voice. I stared right in front of me. It was Layal's back, standing a few feet away. I could see her more clearly now, she had a dark denim jeans that were being hugged by a pair of long brown boots, a loosely tied red scarf was flowing around in the wind behind her. She was too busy on the phone, probably talking to her driver, to notice me or notice that her scarf was about to fly away.

"Mohammed, the house is wide with a garden and a diwaneya, it's house number 32." Layal sighed impatiently, her boot tapping over the concrete floor. Soon enough, her scarf swirled around once more before leaving her covered neck, flying towards me and the next thing I knew, all I could see or feel was a huge red see through material, trying to stuff itself into my face.

I grabbed the scarf, taking it off of my face. I was expecting Layal to notice me standing behind her by now but she was still on the phone.

"No no, it is not a pink house Mohammed, and it does not have flags of Spain and Lebanon on the roof. Where the hell did you drive to?" Layal kept on talking into the phone, her beige turtle neck that was accompanied by a puffy vest now naked of a scarf.

"E7m." I coughed, my deep voice startling her. She turned around quickly, her face fearful for a second, but then her expression turned to recognition once she saw me and my grin.

"Oh Thari, khara3tny." She sighed and suddenly turned her attention back to her phone. "No no Mohammad, I know you don't understand Arabic, I wasn't talking to you."

"Layal," I tried to hold back a laugh, watching her being so annoyed amused me.

"What do you mean Mahboub? It's Layal on the phone, hello? Mohammed? Hello?" Layal continued on, staring at her phone in shock. I was guessing her driver hung up on her.

"Layal." I said again, but this time I was chuckling, I couldn't keep the laugh in any longer.

"Thari ma yi'9a7ik," Layal sighed but she had a smile playing on her lips.

"Mahboub? Mnu Mahboub?" I laughed even harder.

"Madre 3ana, faj2a ga3d yisolif bil Hindi w ga3d yigouly 'Mahboub'," Layal laughed along, her laugh was enjoyable to listen to.

"Al7een Layal, your scarf?" I was holding her scarf behind my back.

"Umbay my scarf, weina?!" Layal suddenly started looking around her, her hands grasping her neck, finally noticing that her scarf was gone. I got a good look of her face this time, she had more make up on than last time, thicker eyeliner and nude lips that showed off how plump they were.

"This?" I finally pulled her scarf from my back and let it wave around with the movement of the wind, but I was grasping the material to stop it from flying away again.

"Enta makhtha?" Layal crossed her arms over her chest, her alerted face melting away once she saw my mischievous smile and her scarf in my hand.

"It flew away when you were on the phone," I chuckled again.

"How long were you standing there?" Layal cocked an arched eyebrow. She didn't seem so shy anymore and I liked the confident Layal, even though the shy awkward one was cute too, but she didn't manage to talk that much or carry a conversation when she was shy.

"Not that long yal Mahboub," I took a step forward, seeing her smile close-up. I stretched my arms over her shoulders, wrapping the scarf around her neck, careful to make sure I didn't touch her, only the scarf did. She watched me silently, she seemed surprised and I was too fast, I knotted the scarf and quickly took a step back before she could word a protest. I caught a whiff of her vanilla scented perfume, making me want to take a step closer once again but I fought the urge to, I knew if I did it again she'd probably stop me or take a step back.

At the same time, Layal's iPhone started to ring. She answered it without hesitation, taking the sudden interruption with wide open arms.

"Mohammed? You're here? Great! Oh, the backdoor? Okay I'm coming." Layal said, her face full of relief. She hung up and looked up at me once again, I suddenly noticed how short she was compared to my tall height.

"Wi9al?" I asked, trying to break the silence between us. Layal's cheeks, as well as her nose, were turning a bit red. I knew the nose redness was because of the cold weather but the cheeks? Hmm, was it the scarf thing? I knew for a fact she was shy again, she seemed more quiet and closed off from before. I always wonder what goes through her mind.

"Eee." She quietly answered, making this a cue for her to leave.

"Layal, bas2lch so2al bas abeech etjawbeeny." I honestly said.

"It depends on the question," She replied hesitantly.

"So you won't answer?"

"Giltlk, it depends." She shrugged, lowering her light eyes to the ground, unable to meet my gaze.

"Are you hiding something from me?" I teased.

"Is that the question?" Layal bit the inside of her cheek.

"La2, there's another one too, bas ma jawabtay." I grinned.

"Everyone has secrets," Layal stated, avoiding my question.

"I told you mine when I was just an anonymous blogger to you," I reminded her.

"Al7een shnu el su2al?" Layal finally looked up and met my gaze, her cool eyes staring into my dull dark ones.

"When we were messaging on twitter, you told me someone was a jerk to you in work," her face quickly flushed deep red, she probably knew where I was going with this. "And... you told me you liked him too, was it really me? Do you actually like me in that way?"

Layal's iPhone began to ring again. Her phone started to annoy me, it had the worst timings. Honestly.

"Mohammed? Yes yes I'm coming walla, I just er, forgot something and had to go back." She lied, she quickly passed me and didn't look back. I watched her walk off, without answering my question. I was astonished.

My shoulders slumped a bit as I walked to my car, not having an answer to a question that was really important to me. I wasn't stupid, there were hints here and there but I still wanted to hear it from her. No more hints, just the plain truth.

I pushed the my car keys into the ignition once I was in the sleek Range Rover, before I twisted the key to start the engine, I heard the familiar "beep!" that told me I had a new notification on Twitter. I puleld my Galaxy out of my pocket, clicked over Twitter and clicked over the "direct message" button.

I read the following new message, that also caused my smile from ear to ear.

"@LayalAlX: Yeah, it was you. I mean, yeah you seemed like a jerk at first but then I was wrong. I was talking about you all along when we were messaging. I like you Thari. Please la etfashilny aw shay whenever we see each other next, okay?:p I answered your question, happy?"